Though I am slightly breaking the rules by covering something just outside the Tompkins County line, I thought a mention of Hollenbeck’s Cider Mill too good to pass up. A longtime tradition of my husband’s family, and now mine, an October visit to this charming cider mill just outside Cortland is a festive and tasty way to indulge in the fall season.
An apple orchard, country store, farm stand, and cider mill, Hollenbeck’s feature attraction is the antique cider press that is still in use. On weekend days they do several open apple pressings for the public and onlookers are treated to just-off-the-press cups of the golden cider as it pours from the spout. The cider is cool, crisp, and sweet, and if your in the mood, you can pair it with an old-fashioned doughnut that they roll out hot on the spot from their doughnut maker.
Mr. Hollenbeck, who was been in the apple and cider business for decades, skillfully operates the giant wood and iron press. You can watch as a cascade of apples bounce and tumble into a chopper, then the resulting juicy pulp is carefully sandwiched into layers of burlap between wood planks as the press is prepared. The fun starts when the press jumps into gear and squeezes the heap of apple pulp and a waterfall of cool cider pours down into the cider spout.
After you’ve had your fill of cider and doughnuts, you can pick up bushels of fresh apples (there are dozens of varieties to choose from), pumpkins and other fall harvest goods, as well as homemade fruit and berry pies from the adjoining bakery and sundries such as maple candies, nut and chocolate fudges, cheeses, and honey products from the store. The store also has an unusually impressive offering of tasty-looking canned goods – everything from onion jams to pickled hot peppers to fruit marmalades.
Hollenbeck’s Cider Mill is located at 1265 New York 392. Be sure to call ahead at 607-835-6455 to ascertain whether they are doing a pressing later that day.
